Project overview · Industry presentation
A murder that threatens the establishment.
When a Cambridge professor is murdered, a disillusioned detective and his sharp-witted sergeant uncover a financial conspiracy reaching into Britain's most powerful institutions — and a buried secret that could destroy the detective himself.
GENREBritish crime thriller
SETTINGCambridge · East Anglia
FORMATThree-act screenplay adaptation
STATUSScreenplay showcase / development concept
The logline and positioning are editorial pitch copy derived from the screenplay. Runtime, budget, attachments and production status are not yet confirmed.
The story
Murder in a city of secrets
At dawn in Cambridge’s historic Wren Library, Professor Ian Quayle lies murdered over an antique map. A business card and a concealed USB drive set Chief Inspector Jack Pike and DS Ella Vale on the trail of a vast network of money, influence and institutional corruption.
At the centre of it all: Hector Milan, a man whose polished manners conceal a ruthless reach — and Victoria “Vexi” Trance, who may know how to bring his empire down.
Production design · Character continuity
The visual character bible
All characters are original fictional casting concepts. Before generating the full scene collection, production artwork will be anchored to approved master portraits, with fixed facial identity and controlled variations in wardrobe, age, lighting and setting.
Victoria “Vexi” Trance
Fixed: British woman in her mid-forties; striking clear blue eyes; dark brown loosely permed hair falling just past the shoulders; poised, shapely silhouette; seductive, confident gaze and incisive expression.
Wardrobe: classically styled fitted jackets, silk blouses, tailored above-the-knee pencil skirts, heels and discreet jewellery. Occasionally visible stocking tops where appropriate to the scene. Sensual, assertive and impeccably styled, never demure or caricatured.
Continuity: retain her exact face, eye colour, hair length and texture across the cottage, safe house, rooftop and Cambridge interiors. Clothing changes with circumstance.
Jack Pike
Early fifties, weathered face, salt-and-pepper hair, restrained expression, practical dark overcoat and muted tailoring. Keep facial proportions, hairline and rugged appearance consistent.
Ella Vale
Thirties, alert dark eyes, brunette hair generally pulled back, sharp professional silhouette and practical dark clothing. Preserve the same face and age in all investigations.
Hector Milan
Mid-fifties, impeccably groomed, distinguished silver-dark hair, measured expression and expensive tailored suits. His controlled elegance should remain recognisable in every setting.
Scene rules
British locations, credible period-neutral props, cinematic naturalism, subdued teal/charcoal palette and warm practical light. Never substitute a different face for the same named character.
Vexi’s approved portrait is embedded above; all other portraits remain provisional. A reference-locked full-scene set has not yet been completed.
